Climate change is causing sea levels to rise. That could cause roughly 5,500 US coastal sites to flood. The sites contain dangerous materials. If flooded, those toxins may spread. That's according to a new long-range study. The sites are at risk of flooding by the year 2100. They sit along both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They store industrial waste. They also process sewage. Some refine oil and gas, among other purposes. "Our research suggest(s) that this issue needs more attention, both in terms of mitigation plans...and also things like cleanup plans," Laura Cushing told The Associated Press. She is a co-author of the study. It was published recently in the journal Nature. Fossil fuel ports and terminals make up 44% of the 5,100 sites. Power plants account for 30%. Oil refineries are 24%. And 22% are sewage treatment facilities. Nearly 80% of the sites are in the states of Louisiana, Florida, New Jersey, Texas, California, New York, and Massachusetts. The study also found that many of the communities at risk are those of marginalized peoples. Hispanic neighborhoods and those living below the federal poverty line are 19%-41% more likely to be affected by a flooded site, researchers concluded. While most of the sea level rise is now unavoidable, experts say, there is still time to fortify many of the sites against flooding. That, perhaps, can lower some of the future risk. Reflect: How would you feel if a place in your community became unsafe because of environmental changes?
